Snow geese population at Middle Creek drops week-over-week due to snow

The Pennsylvania Game Commission says that the snow geese population at Middle Creek has dropped this week due to snowfall in the area.

In the Monday update by Middle Creek manager Lauren Ferreri, the following counts were shared:

• Snow Geese: 2,500
• Tundra Swans: 500
• Canada Geese: 2,500

Last week, the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that groups of snow geese had begun to arrive at Middle Creek. As of the 2/8 update, there were estimated to be 10,000 snow geese at Middle Creek.

The Game Commission says that numbers could pick up again later this week after the current weather system moves through.

The Game Commission notes that numbers change dramatically throughout the day, with birds leaving at dawn to feed and only returning around dusk. The Game Commission recommends sunrise and sunset for the best viewing of waterfowl at Middle Creek.

Last year, the high count for snow geese was recorded on February 21 with 200,000 snow geese. The high count for tundra swans was 5,500 (February 22) and 7,500 Canada geese (February 15).

The Game Commission says that icing is the most significant variable determining the arrival of migrating waterfowl. Snow cover and ice buildup limit access to the waste grain that the waterfowl depend on for food.

The Middle Creek interior tour road opens March 1.

Watch this video for more on Middle Creek and the Snow Goose Migration.